To think of Theo Walcott is to think of a jet-heeled winger, tearing down the line, tormenting Premier League full backs.

The problem has been doing that on a consistent basis during his time at Arsenal.

That, perhaps, is why the Gunners have decided it is time for him to move on, and why Everton have opted to reinvigorate his career. At £20million, it will prove to be a good move for Arsenal, Walcott and the Blues.

But when Walcott arrives at Goodison, will he fulfil the role so often expected of him, of the quick, direct wide man?

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Walcott is considered a right winger because that is where he has played for the majority of his career.

He has shown some flexibility however, most notably in the 2015/16 season at the Emirates. Though he still featured more on the right than any other position (14 times), he was also utilised often both on the left (11 times) and as a central striker (12 times).

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Left wing

The 28-year-old does not possess obvious attributes to be a wide man who thrives cutting inside on to his stronger foot, and that is evidenced by Arsene Wenger’s reticence to play him there in recent seasons.

The irony, of course, is that his strike rate from that position is impressive. He’s scored three goals in 11 appearances there in 2015/16, in what was his only real chance to feature there.

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Up front

Wenger had experimented with playing Walcott as a central striker at the start of the 2015/16 season, a move which brought four goals by the end of September.

Injury soon after ended that particular experiment.

But it could be one Allardyce is willing to revive in certain games, given the dearth of options available up front.

With both Sandro and Oumar Niasse out of favour, and with Wayne Rooney suited to a deeper role, that leaves new signing Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to lead the line. Walcott might not possess the presence of the Turkish international, nor the aerial strength of the Under-20s World Cup winner, but he would offer an injection of acceleration which could help penetrate defences holding a high line.